Users of this web resource are warned that it may contain images and/or references to deceased people, which could cause distress or sadness particularly for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The resource may also contain words and descriptions that could be culturally sensitive and which might not normally be used in public or community contexts. For example, some information may be considered appropriate for viewing only by men or only by women. The HealthInfoNet respects such culturally sensitive issues, but, for technical reasons, it has not been possible to provide materials in a way that prevents access by a person of the other gender. Users are asked to respect this cultural protocol.

Substance misuse assessment and referral for treatment (SMART) court

Reach:

NT

Focus area:

Mainstream with Indigenous content

Status:

Completed

Overview

The Substance misuse assessment and referral for treatment (SMART) court was able to hear criminal matters in the Magistrates Court or the Youth Justice Court in the Northern Territory where the offender had committed an offence and had a history of serious alcohol and/or other drug use. The SMART court was able to issue bans on the consumption of alcohol and other drugs, and mandate treatment orders after a person was found guilty of an offence.

The SMART court had the power to:

defer sentencing six to twelve months and make a SMART order

grant bail on condition that the offender complies with bail conditions and the SMART order

sentence the offender to a period of imprisonment in accordance with the Sentencing Act or the Youth Justice Act, and make a SMART order for the offender.

The offender had to appear regularly before the SMART court to monitor their progress and if required, review the conditions of the SMART order.